Embryogenesis and seed development are important stages in development that determine seed quality. Early embryogenesis has been difficult to study because the cells involved are small, few in number, and embedded in maternal tissues. Molecular approaches have led to the isolation of AGL 15, a member of the MADS-domain family of regulatory factors, that begins to accumulate in nuclei very early in embryo development. Work is ongoing to understand the role AGL 15 plays during this phase of the life cycle. The latter stages of seed development have also been the subject of field and laboratory studies. It has provided insight into the nutritional and hormonal requirements for seed development. These studies have shown the importance seed development has on subsequent germination performance.